There are jaw-dropping RKOs… and then there’s this one. Randy Orton’s mid-air RKO on Evan Bourne is one of the most replayed moments in WWE history — a split-second execution that left fans speechless and even shook the locker room. But while most fans remember the jump, very few know what really happened behind the scenes that night
It was July 2010 on Monday Night RAW, and Evan Bourne was gaining momentum with his unique high-flying offense. His Shooting Star Press had become one of the most exciting finishers in WWE — until Randy Orton turned it into a highlight for the ages. As Bourne launched into the air, Orton timed it with such perfection that the entire arena erupted. A perfectly timed, mid-air RKO
But here’s what most fans missed: that RKO wasn’t rehearsed in full. According to sources backstage, both superstars discussed the idea of the move just minutes before going out. “Let’s try something crazy,” Randy reportedly said. They didn’t practice the landing. It was pure instinct. And it became instant WWE legend
After the match, the atmosphere backstage was electric. Even Vince McMahon was impressed. Several wrestlers, including John Cena and Triple H, were seen replaying the footage over and over on Gorilla’s monitor. What was meant to be a cool spot ended up becoming one of the most iconic moments in the modern PG era of WWE
And Evan Bourne? He reportedly had trouble breathing properly for a few minutes after the impact — not because of injury, but because of the shock and adrenaline. In later interviews, he said that moment was the highlight of his career: “I lost the match, but gained a memory that will last forever.”
More than a decade later, fans still search for “that RKO outta nowhere.” And if you’re one of them, just know — it wasn’t luck, it wasn’t rehearsed… it was Randy Orton doing what he does best: Striking when you least expect it.
